Nestled in Southwest Detroit, Mexicantown is heaving with authentic restaurants, shops, and tortilla factories. The neighborhood is vibrant and colorful. Wanting to get a jump on the Cinco de Mayo festivities, we headed out there for a lovely lunch this past Saturday.

It should be noted that Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexico’s Independence Day, which is actually September 16th. Cinco de Mayo, or The 5th of May, commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French in The Battle of Puebla. The holiday is mostly celebrated in Puebla and in parts of the U.S.

Do you need a reason to imbibe a cerveza or a margarita and eat yummy traditional Mexican food? I didn't think so!

We only explored a small portion of Mexicantown as the weather looked like it was going to take a turn at any moment and ruin our casual walk with pouring rain.

Patio at Los GalanesOur original plan was to hit up Taqueria Lupita’s but we changed our mind and decided on the colorful Los Galanes. I’ve heard great things about both of these places and we were happy that we changed our plans.

Los Galanes is the perfect place to sit on the patio on a warm summer day. Munching on warm tortilla chips, sipping on an adult beverage, and people watching doesn't get any better than this!

Xochi’s Mexican Imports is bursting with traditional clothes, trinkets, piñatas, religious symbols, and more. We spent a good chunk of time exploring every nook and cranny of this tiny shop.

St. Anne de Detroit, one of Detroit's historic Catholic churches, was founded just 2 days after Cadillac arrived in Detroit. The present Gothic Revival church was built in 1886 and is a fixture of Mexicantown; masses are performed in both English and Spanish.

Reader Comments (11)

growing up, we used to go to a restaurant called armandos in mexicantown. my parents used to take us there all the time. it was the first time i had bbq tongue. i know, right.i can't believe i haven't taken my kids down there yet. it's looking like i'm going to have to!! thanks for reminding me how great it is there!

Do not pass go, do not collect $200, go straight to Tamaleria Restaurant Nuevo Leon on Vernor. It looks so sketchy and tastes so good at a great price. Stop by La Gloria afterward to pick up desert. The raton de chocolate is a nice dense, moist brownie with a chocolate covering that rather decadent.

Near Armandos is Cafe Con Leche, right across from Clark Park. I highly recommend taking your laptop and try getting some work done there. Decent coffee, but I go for the crowd.

Finally, if you want the best tacos in town, don't look to a truck. Look to Los Altos. It's on Vernor about three blocks east of Springwells. The tacos el pastor with cilantro will make you beg for more. Wash it down with a Jarritos and you'll wonder why you didn't make the trip before. BTW, bring cash, they don't take plastic sacrifices.

Steve, Mira, & Dave,Thanks for the suggestions, everyone has their favorites.

Dave,Don't apologize for dropping all this goodness on us! I love your passion for the neighborhood and will definitely check out some of your suggestions. I've been meaning to get to Cafe Con Leche forever!

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